I happened to ask my mom the other day, If Dad was still around, what anniversary would you be celebrating this year? Mom replied that she and my dad were married in 1953 so on June 21st, they would be celebrating 65 years of marriage.
Over the years, I’ve heard many stories from my mother about their courtship. Mom spied Dad for the first time at Jeannie Drizos’ wedding around 1951. She lost track of him for a little bit but they reconnected in 1952. Shortly after, my dad gave her an engagement ring.
When I interviewed Mom for this post, here’s what she told me about her wedding. They were married at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen, PA. Their reception was also in Monessen, at the Sokol Hall, and they had a live band. The Manis Brothers were an all mandolin band. I would have loved to have heard that! My Uncle Bil Gameos was living in New York City at the time and mom said she remembers that he performed a live dance number for them.
Mom said her gown was modeled after Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress. A few years ago, my daughter Michelene, modeled it at an event in Sewickley, PA. It is still a stunning gown to this day. The bridesmaid’s dresses, which are also WOW!, were bought at Kaufmann’s downtown, as was my mother’s gown.
My mom said they went to Cuba for their honeymoon!
My mom has two very old, very beautiful albums. The pictures are still heavily glued in place. This is why you will see the pages of the albums (below) and not scanned pictures.
My dad passed away 21 years ago this month. It was Father’s Day and Pentecost. He is sorely missed. I thought it would be a wonderful tribute to both of my parents to write this blog and share some of their pictures.
Enjoy this walk back in time! Please write any comments for my mom (now 89 years young) here on this blog, or on my Facebook post. I will be sure and share them with her.
Twenty five years ago, I was 35 years old. My daughter Michelene was 11. I don’t remember who started it, but my sister Cally, mom, and I became huge fans of the CD, Yanni at the Acropolis.
Now I’m sure you know that Yanni is Greek. And we are Greek. We Greeks really stick together. When we heard that Yanni was coming to the pavilion in Burgettstown 25 years ago, we went. Michelene was not a huge fan. I remember her asking me why he kept flipping his long hair during the concert.
Fast forward to 2018. I’m on the internet and something leads me to the Cultural Trust’s website. I get there and suddenly I see the 25th anniversary concert of Yanni at the Acropolis! I can hardly contain myself. I look up seats and they are affordable and available still.
I began to rack my brain, trying to think who would go with me (I was ready to go by myself but having a friend along is more fun). I settled on my cousin, Gary, and so I sent him a text. I casually asked him, “Are you a fan of Yanni at the Acropolis by chance?”
He sends me a text back, “Yes! I just listened to that music this morning!”
Long story short, my cousin was game to go with me. We decided on dinner beforehand, the whole nine yards of a memorable evening. Central Diner in Robinson was my choice of course, because, well, it’s owned by Greeks!
This past Wednesday evening, Gary picked me up in a shiny blue Chevy Camaro. He was streaming 80’s music and Yanni, and we caught up as only cousins can. At Central Diner, we went classic- cheeseburgers and french fries.
My cousin Gary and I at Central Diner
We headed downtown and parked in Theatre Parking. Lots of people were out and about. Being early for the show, we hung out in the outer lobby and waited. We ended up bumping into several more people I knew from my church.
The concert started on time. The back up musicians came on and tuned up a bit. Then, he emerged…..Yanni. He was dressed mostly in white. His hair was a bit shorter than 25 years ago. But his smile was still the same.
For the next three hours (no intermission!), Yanni played many of his famous compositions. Over and over, he went back and forth from his piano to his extra keyboards. He seemed tireless. His microphone was on his piano and he frequently stopped to talk to us. I don’t remember him talking as much years ago.
One thing that impressed me was his way of giving all of his back up musicians their time in the spotlight. The two violinists and drummer were exceptional. The extra keyboardist was nothing short of amazing. Congo drums, trumpet, cello, and bass. You could tell he revered his musicians and I loved how it was not all about him.
Yanni remains one of my absolute favorite performers of all time. I’d put him up there with Bette Midler and Bruce Springsteen (who I saw at The Stanley when I was in my early twenties). He smiled constantly, engaged with the audience, and talked about his family.
He played a song named for his mother. Felitsa was absolutely beautiful. Here’s a version I found, taped two years ago in Egypt. This will give you the closest feel for how magical and intimate his Pittsburgh concert was.
One of my favorite songs of Yanni’s is Until the Last Moment. Yanni told us about his father’s words. He said something like this, “My father would say, the past is gone, the future is tomorrow. What we have is today and we should enjoy every moment, until the last moment.” Truer words were never spoken.
What did I think of the concert? I called it “Soul Touching”. The music touched me deep in my heart and soul. It lifted me up and made me forget everything for three solid hours.
I’m so glad I got to go to this concert! Anyone want to go to Cincinnati, Ohio on July 27? 🙂
Thank you to my friend Paula Y. for the photography.
“On the plane home I remember thinking that I am who I am because I have faith in myself, and it has always been the possibility of emotionally rewarding the experiences that has encouraged me to gamble on myself; those experiences have made all that I do worthwhile.” Yanni
Steph from Findlay Township and Yours Truly, at the Rainbow’s End Playground
Last year I wrote a post about finding a garden at Susquehanna University. It was no ordinary garden. It was a garden that held inspirational rocks with messages of hope and love.
The rock I chose that day held the message, “You are Worth It”. It meant so much to me, especially during this time that I am my mother’s caregiver. Even though I did not have a rock to leave (and it doesn’t matter if you do or don’t), I took that rock home and placed it in my flower pot.
I talked to my daughter’s childhood friend about the garden I found. Having researched the Kindness Rocks Project Garden website, I knew I wanted to have one in my hometown of Clinton, PA. Steph, who works in the recreation department for Findlay Township, said “Sure!”. Last November we held a community event and painted rocks. They were beautiful!
On Saturday, April 28, 2018, it was a rainy, chilly morning. A social media site popped up on my phone and said it was “Pay It Forward” day. Wow, I thought, There are no coincidences! Starting this garden was a wonderful way to pay forward the inspiration I found last year.
I checked my weather app at 9:30 am and it said the rain was stopping in 15 minutes. I arrived at the Rainbow’s End Playground in Clinton Park, and indeed, the rain was ceasing. Minutes after 10 am, the sun came out from behind a cloud and shone down on us.
Here comes the Sun!
I knew this was a magnificent sign. God always reveals the light whenever we need it, doesn’t (s)He? We all have those moments when we need to know that we are on the right track. Having a project where I can do for others, without thought of payment or obligation, is what I’m about these days. There are some things you just cannot put a price on. This is one of them.
When I placed the rock I found last year into our Kindness Rocks Garden, I had a special feeling. I knew that is where it belonged. It was ready to make someone else feel loved and special. When I visit the university this June, I am going to take one of our rocks and place it in their garden. Yes, full circle.
I want to thank Steph from the bottom of my heart. She made my dream come true. I want to thank all of my family and friends who painted and participated. Special thanks to Armstrong Telephone, Chris Caruso of Findlay Township, Sue, and both the Parks and Recreation, and Road Departments. Without all of them, this garden would not be a reality.
If you live in the area, please come and visit! Take a rock if one inspires you! I’d love if you would take a picture if you do come and share it on our Facebook page. Findlay Township Kindness Rocks Project. (please like and follow us!)
Just in case you think the person in the picture above is me, well, it’s not. I wish it was but (sigh), it is not.
I went to Florida for a week this year but it was chilly. I already had a cold and I’m probably the one who subsequently gave a cold to my sister and my mother. Mom spent three weeks recovering (she still is) and it was a bit scary. She rallied for Easter and (whew!) I breathed a sign of relief.
I remember having a friend who, whenever I complained about how things were going, he’d say, “You’re living in paradise, you just don’t know it.” I’ve thought of this many times and wow, it can really change my perspective.
Sometimes when things are getting me down, I go back to the basics. I have a warm house, food in the refrigerator, a family that loves me, and we have the ability to pay our bills. Even though these things seem like life in general, there are many around the world who do not have these simple luxuries.
About eleven years ago, Jim and I went to the Riviera Maya, Mexico with seven other friends. It was Jim’s 50th birthday and he signed up for many excursions. So did his friends. I did not because frankly, I was scared to leave the safety of the compound we were on. Never mind that these were sanctioned excursions; I was still scared.
A few years later we went on a Princess Cruise to the Caribbean. Determined not to be such a wallflower, I signed up for the Rays and Reef excursion with everyone else in our party. Little did I realize that we’d be out on a boat, in the middle of the gorgeous blue water in Grand Cayman Islands. The Australian guy-in-charge gave us the low down, mate. We’d get into waist high water and these (supposedly) gentle sting rays would swim around our ankles. Afterwards, there would be snorkeling in the coral waters.
Everyone got out of the boat except me. Now if you think I’m a brave person think again. My mother has drilled safety first into me since I was born (she still tells me to look both ways when I cross the street). All I could see was me being the first person to get whipped by a stingray and die on this excursion.
Finally, after everyone was in the water for a good few minutes, I decided that wimp city was over. I went off the boat and into the water. I remember being scared for about a minute then the fear was gone. The beauty of the surroundings, coupled with the love of my friends, relaxed me. I let those rays swim all around my ankles.
The bonus of this was the snorkeling. If you’ve never snorkeled, it needs to be on your bucket list. Wow, the fish were so colorful and gorgeous. I hope I get to do it again in my lifetime.
Even when things seem not exactly perfect, we can rally and realize the paradise we are really in. Remember your blessings and count them.
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
― Epicurus
Here in the Northeast, we are buried under inches of snow. The usual hype (do you have milk and toilet paper?) continues- bad roads, accidents, and how much more will we get?
I had plans for today. I was supposed to go and watch my granddaughter Penny. This after seven consecutive days of helping my mother through the worst cold she has had in five years (or that I can remember). I either visited her or she stayed with me, and with doctor appointments and other nursing duties, I was pretty tired.
So God decided to give me a gift. He sent seven inches of snow that rendered me stranded. When I looked out the window this morning I had brief thoughts of waiting until the roads were clear, then trying to drive to Pittsburgh. It wasn’t until I checked the radar that the reality of the day hit home. There was no going anywhere and I knew it.
Instead, I stayed in my pajamas for a long time. I made myself a second pot of coffee and a nice breakfast. Two loads of clothes were washed and dried, and a pot of homemade bean soup is on the stove. The cardinals and woodpeckers were thrilled that the bird feeder was full to the top. They kept me company with their bright colors and happy dispositions. I chatted with my west coast friend for a long time.
Did God do this just for me? Well, maybe. Maybe He did it for a whole bunch of people who needed the reminder that to stay home once in a while is not such a bad thing. We all need a day off, a therapy day so to speak, where not much is asked of us and where we can just enjoy being with ourselves.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. Can you believe it is 2018? It’s here!
For the past several years I’ve treated myself to a Word of the Year. Why? It’s a compass for guidance and motivation to study and work on myself. In the past I’ve chosen Joy, Believe, and Happiness for my words of the year.
How do I use the word? I simply keep it in my thoughts, meditations, and prayers. If I am faced with a challenging situation, I bring my word to mind and contemplate how I can use it to change my perspective. I always choose positive words (never negative), and you would not believe how a simple word can change a depressing problem into a spiritual opportunity. I choose books, readings, and podcasts that also help me study my wonderful word.
The last few weeks the word SAVOR has popped into my head over and over again. I looked up the definition and here’s what I found:
I love the fourth definition! The Power to Excite or Interest. What do I intend to SAVOR, to be excited about? Well, many things! I want to savor time, tastes, and experiences. As a Greek American, I love wonderful food, especially if it is shared with family and friends.
I want to savor moments with my family, especially my grandchildren, as I know how precious these times really are. My wedding families give me the opportunity to savor, and this is not just about the cookie table! God has placed me in this position to make a difference in the lives of brides, grooms, their parents and guests. I’m there to keep the calm, take the stress off the day, and use my knowledge and gifts to oversee a day they will not forget.
I also want to be more mindful of how and what I eat. Healthier choices, less guilt, and more savoring are important to me. I’ve been conscious lately of slowing down and enjoying my food. This is hard for a busy person like me. I often eat with other things in mind (like what I have to do next!). I can also be an emotional eater (chocolate!) so I’m really trying to acknowledge my feelings when I’m stressed or worried.
It is coming up on five years that I left a full time position to help my mother. It’s hard to believe its been that long. Sometimes hard, always rewarding, I feel like I can finally breathe a bit better about the future and where I am going. This is not for everyone but I am glad I chose this route. There’s a book submission in my future and this is the topic I have chosen to write about- Caring for our Elderly Parents. If you are assisting an elderly parent(s) in any way, even if you are working part or full time, and have a story to share, I want to hear from you. Email me at joannejamiscain@gmail.com.
As you savor your New Year, I hope you take the time to make one positive change. Maybe choose your own word, start a gratitude journal, begin a three minute meditation practice, or start an exercise program. Touch base with me occasionally and let me know how you’re doing. I look forward to hearing from you!
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is a few days away. I have been busy but not SO busy that I forget the reason for the season. There are many wonderful sights and sounds during the holidays and it is easy to get caught up in it all- the quest for perfect presents, home holiday decor, parties, cookie recipes, you name it.
This holiday, I want to challenge you to think about Christmas differently. Think about it other than presents, alcoholic beverages, and a zillion cookies. To help you, I’m going to share my favorite things about the holiday. This is in the hopes that you will go deeper into your heart and look beyond the tangible into the intangible. And, I’m hoping you will share your favorite enriching experiences with me so I can open my gratitude circle even wider.
Giving. This is the biggest charitable season of all. I try to support my church’s ministries and be as generous as I can afford to be. When my kids were little we rolled up dollar bills and put them in the Salvation Army buckets. We didn’t have much back then but we gave a little every chance we could. I’ll bet you my adult kids still put dollar bills in SA buckets.
Friends. I’ve had numerous opportunities to spend extra time with friends. We do this anyway but at the holiday season it is even more meaningful. The food and presents are nice, but what I really enjoy is quality time and unconditional love.
My family. I took my mom to see The Nutcracker a couple of weeks ago. It was a bit challenging but the Benedum staff (Thanks Steve!) was wonderful. We enjoyed the ballet and I think my mom absolutely loved the experience. I am looking forward to Christmas Eve and Day when I am with many of my family.
Church. My church service and our choir is so beautiful all the time but I especially love the whole experience at Christmas. We had our holiday program recently and all the young ones sang. They sounded like little angels! Church is one of the best ways to experience unity with the reason for the season.
Children. We took Penny to the Christmas Light Up in Clinton, PA. and it was enchanting. If you want to have a great experience, take a small child to a Christmas event. Sit back and say very little; watch their faces glow. This is why we need to give young ones the gift of our time and energies. Just for things like this.
Mom and I at The Nutcracker
This is a season of love and gratitude. It is easy to get caught up in the stress of the holidays so remember, easy does it. Go for experiences, not necessarily material possessions, and remember to be generous with those less fortunate. This will transform the holidays for you.
What is your most meaningful Christmas or holiday tradition? I’d love to hear from you. Merry Christmas!
“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
― Maya Angelou
The Jamis Girls at Poros, Pittsburgh
It has been a wonderful week. Turning 60 has been a happy experience for me in many ways. My sisters (who both live in NC) came home for the week which of course, happened to be Thanksgiving as well.
I wanted a few close family and friends on my actual birthday. No fancy stuff; just pizza and cake. It wasn’t about the food, it was about love and friendships. Penny was there of course and though she wouldn’t sit on my lap, she loved watching everyone sing. John and Jess gave me a blanket with their wedding pictures all over it. What fun!
Too many candles!
What have I learned by this age? Well, I’ll tell you. I’ve learned that I can be myself and if people like me for who I am, that’s great. If not, I’m ok with that. I have a smaller circle of friends but I kind of like it that way. I don’t have the stamina that I used to have, but I still have plenty of energy. I will make time for anyone who wants to talk to me (about anything). My ministries are important to me (my mother and FOCUS) and my love for writing and blogging has only increased.
My faith is my guiding light and it keeps me centered. I try and remember to be grateful every day for the blessings that surround me.
My sisters planned a gift for me that they thought would arrive on my birthday. It did not and though Mary was upset, I was fine with it. They took me to lunch on Wednesday to Poros, and my daughter and two cousins showed up. I didn’t know Nini and Lisa were coming until the last minute. I love surprises. Then we decided to text my cousin Nick (who works around the corner) and he came within twenty minutes! Wow!
Wonderful time!
So the day after Thanksgiving we finally all met at a coffee shop and my gift had arrived. Imagine my surprise when it was a hardcover book of my first three years of every Katherine’s Daughter post! I cried a bit when I saw this. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was!
What a great gift!
Last night I sat down for a while and read the book. It was wonderful to read my posts from the beginning. It was very insightful and I was frankly, a little proud of myself. I couldn’t believe how much I accomplished.
My sister Mary wanted to motivate me to think about compiling my favorite posts into a book. I told her she has succeeded and this is definitely inspiring me to sit down and do the work.
Thank you to my sisters, mom, Jim, Michelene, Jessica, John, Penny and all of you who made my birthday so special. The blessings, wishes, and love from all of you have filled me with joy.
*Do you have a blog you’d like to turn into a book? My sisters used Blog2Print. They’re having a Cyber Monday sale right now so use the code SHOPCOZY for 35% off.
The definition of happiness. Thank you to my sisters and everyone who gave us photos.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while you know that I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe that God is at work, making things real, bringing people together and spinning His magnificent magic.
There have been a couple of things that happened recently that drove this home even further for me. My son was married on Labor Day weekend and so many wonderful and amazing things happened. I want to share some details that I’m still in awe about.
Amazing thing #1-
About an hour before the church ceremony we realized that Penny’s dress was at home. This was fine except we were half an hour away at the church when we realized this. I frantically called my sister in laws, managed to reach one of them, and fifteen minutes before the ceremony, they arrived with dress in hand. Penny walked down the aisle like nothing ever happened.
If my future daughter in law would not have said to me, “So where is Penny’s dress?” when she did, Penny might have walked down the aisle in her old pink onesie. Ha! Thankfully, that didn’t happen.
Both Beautiful- Penny with her cousin Deanna
Amazing Thing #2-
A blogger friend of mine, Daleen of Sunday’s Child, happened to be on the east coast from the west coast just days before the wedding. We have been phone friends for five years, sharing stories and encouragement in all walks of life, and here she was (and her lovely husband to boot), coming near me for the first time ever.
Almost a year ago Daleen and I realized this could happen. I kept hoping (and praying) the timing would work out and yes folks, it did. The night before the wedding Jim and I met Daleen and Bruce in the lobby of the Pittsburgh Hyatt (surreal!!) and whisked them to the rehearsal dinner. Wedding day dawned and we met for an early breakfast in the hotel. It was then that Daleen did the unimaginable. She offered to come over my house and gather the sunflowers into bouquets for Jess, Michelene, and Jana (and others!).
When we arrived at my house I ran around getting things together while Daleen made bouquets. The mason jars of fresh sunflowers from McConnells’ Farm were already together and I made yellow rose boutonnieres the day before. I decided to use soda pop plastic holders to contain the mason jars (genius!) and Bruce and Jim loaded everything into the car for the trip to the church.
When I nearly had a meltdown over Penny’s dress, Daleen and Bruce calmly offered to go and get it. Thankfully that wasn’t necessary but still, wow, what an offer.
Top row, L to R, Presbytera Anna and Me. Bottom, L to R, Daleen and Bruce, friend Lillian
Amazing Thing #3-
My sister Mary and I made a rogue Greek CD of music to play at the wedding. I wanted to do the official bridal dance while Jim splashed money over John and Jess. We had a blues band at the wedding- Eugene and the Night Crawlers (yes, that is really their name)- and I called Eugene a couple weeks before the wedding to see if he had a CD player attached to his speakers.
“Yes M’am”, he said. Ok, I figured we were all set except when it came time to play the song, Eugene’s CD player was one of those compact Walkmans from probably ten years ago. The disc was spinning but nothing was coming out of the speakers.
After a few tense minutes, my son wandered over and used his IT skills to diagnose the problem. I said a silent prayer something like, “God, help me. Can you please make this happen?”
Within two minutes, my sister had downloaded the song on her iphone and we plugged it into the speakers. Out came the official bridal dance song, played at just about every Greek wedding I’ve ever been to. We danced our hearts out to that one song.
Where was God? Everywhere. He was just ……everywhere. The icing on the cake was the comment Daleen made to me after the wedding. She said that Bruce’s definition of happiness from now on was going to be my face as I walked down the aisle. His definition of radiant? Jessica, as she walked down the aisle.
Radiant Bride and Handsome Groom
There are amazing things going on in our life every day. Instead of taking those wonderful moments for granted, or chalking them up to luck, think again. It’s the spiritual that really makes those things happen. I’m still in awe over my son’s wedding and thankful for the many blessings then and now.
My Family! From L to R, Cally, Me, Mom, Mary
A load of gratitude to my sisters who took great care of my mother the week before and week after the wedding. Thank you so much!!
Blessings to Ann, Jess’ mom, who is recovering from health issues. Please say a prayer for her.
There are more pictures on my Katherine’s Daughter Event’s blog. Click HERE for the link.
I grew up in a pretty clean house. My mom was an “at home” mother until I went to college and she loved a neat and tidy home. We were never made to run the sweeper, do dishes (back in the days before dishwashers), laundry, or anything like that. She said when we got older we’d have enough housework.
When I went away to college I needed to do laundry so I went to a coin operated laundromat. I was so spoiled I had to ask someone to show me how to use the washer. One day I left a new pair of Wrangler jeans washing in the New Ken laundromat and went back to my half duplex one block away. When I returned they were gone. Someone must have really wanted them if they took them soaking wet.
I don’t remember being really neat in college or when I lived, single, in my Winebiddle Street apartment afterwards. I hated going to bed with dirty dishes on the counter (still do) so I made sure they were done. I did live in an old, old house that had been converted into one room effficiencies. One day I came home and my Free Spirit 10 speed bicycle was in the window sunlight. I looked and it was encased in a giant, intricate spider web. I don’t remember what I did about that but I probably wiped it down.
Once my babies were born, I remember launching into clean mode. I spent way too much time worrying about how clean my house was. With my first, I went back to work. With my second, it no longer made sense to give day care my salary so I stayed home and became a plastics party queen. I loved a clean house back then even though I remember toys everywhere for a very long time.
Last night I went looking for a specific music CD and it was gone. So was my stack of probably 40-50 CD’s that were on a shelf in my guest bedroom closet. I had a flash of panic. My husband and daughter rented a dumpster about a month ago and cleaned out the house. I participated very little in this. I have been decluttering for at least four years, since I quit my full time job, and even before that so I felt very little need to join in.
The reality began to set in a minute later that my CD’s were GONE. I sent Jim a text in the hopes that he might know where they were. But I knew. Twenty years worth of music- Christmas, Greek, Rock and Roll- gone to a dumpster and a garbage dump somewhere. Good thing I had a couple of my favorites in the car.
Now if my husband threw these away, I don’t blame him. Yep, I don’t. Because I should have participated in this and honestly, he probably thought they were old CD’s of the kids that no one listened to anymore. In the process of looking through my closet (just in case they were in a box somewhere), I did find a treasure trove of children’s music that probably belonged to my grandson from 15 years ago. Those are going to Penny.
I will be sad for a couple of days but I will move on. Decluttering is a good feeling in the end. It is just stuff. I listen to music in the car occasionally, but most times I enjoy the quiet. I think I’ll be ok with that.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
